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A thorough graphic novel based on a book “written by” William Shatner (with not one but two credited aides.)

Set between the events of Star Trek VI and Generations, this is a mostly cool story that, frankly, would’ve been better than some of the upcoming TNG films.

Kirk, feeling old (hasn’t that been a plot point since Wrath of Khan?) retires from Starfleet but is whisked away Johnson-first by a sexy Klingon-Romulan halfbreed whose planet “needs his help.” The planet is some sort of Fountain of Youth (echoes of cheesy Star Trek V – I guess Shatner was involved in the story after all) and the rogue elements in the Federation (not all wiped away from the end of The Undiscovered Country I guess) are setting him up for a big fall. Sulu and the Excelsior must save the day. Chases ensue.

I can not deny that I found this book a pleasant diversion on the 1.5 subway rides it took me to read.